09 Mar 2007 10:40 PM:
Firstly apologies for some mis-information. Previously I had posted that a solicitor could not now get the NIE by proxy. This was incorrect, in most provinces they can't but in Estepona, at present, a solicitor with the power of attourney can still apply on your behalf. Apologies if I panicked anyone.
We travelled to Estepona on Thursday and found the local police comisarias. ( thank you Emma ).. We waited patiently amongst the rest of the people outside in the sunshine. From a German girl and a Spanish lady who spoke english ( ours Spanish is a bit "pidgeon" at present ) we understood that this is the system and we should just wait.. After nearly 2 hours @ 1.00pm the policman on the door announced that they were now closed and to come back tomorrow. After some negotiation and nagging the police officer let us into the room where they register the NIE forms. Unfortunately we got no further. We were told that they now have a system where at 8.30am in the morning 50 tickets are handed out to those waiting. On the ticket is a number and the numbers are seen until all 50 have been seen then that is it......so no number no NEI.... Eventually we gave up and went to get a coffee. We called Mia formerly of Viva Estates who was brilliant. She organised for us to see Lex Solicitors in Marbella within the hour and we passed power of attorney to them and they are going to apply on our behalf.... So travelling to Spain for the day was a bit stupid.... but we live and learn....
If anyone is going to Spain to get the NIE please be aware that the Estepona Comisarias is now closed for 10 days for refurbishment...... and I hope system improvement.
We did however open a bank account with the Sol Bank in Sabinillas ( thanks again Emma ) which was the inverse of the problems we had with the NIE. All their branches across Spain speak English we spoke with a great guy named Jurgen who sorted us out very quickly with the account and internet banking all within 30 minutes......
Ian
Community thread:
bill & ev marshall (newcastle upon tyne)
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